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This paper was originally published in Medical Hypotheses
(2002) 59(4), 422–428
The
Use of In Situ Bone Marrow Stem Cells for the
Treatment of Various Degenerative Diseases
Gitte S. Jensen, Christian
Drapeau
Summary:
The potential for tissue repair and regeneration is encouraging
in the light of novel research on the plasticity of adult stem cells.
Intense research efforts over the last 3 years have provided solid
evidence for the continuous generation of many types of tissue cells
from adult stem cells as a normal part of our physiology throughout
development and adult life in mammals, including humans. This opens
new therapeutic avenues for many clinical problems and provides
alternative opportunities at a time when much attention has been
brought to the issue of using embryonic stem cells for research
purposes and for the development of treatments for various diseases.
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells characterized by nearly
unlimited self-renewal and differentiation capacity. However, evidence
has accumulated over the past few years, indicating that adult bone
marrow stem cells might have pluripotent properties similar to those
of embryonic stem cells. Based on a review of the literature we
propose the hypothesis that in situ mobilization of stem cells from
the bone marrow and their migration to various tissues is a normal
physiological process of regeneration and repair and that therapeutic
benefits can be generated with less invasive regimens than the removal
and re-injection of stem cells, through the stimulation of normal
stem cell migration. We further propose that effort should be made
to identify natural compounds characterized by their ability to
augment this normal process of mobilization and re-colonization
of bone marrow stem cells for the potential treatment of various
degenerative diseases.
To read the entire paper, download (PDF): Medical
Hypotheses paper
(To download, right-click on the link, choose 'Save Target (or
Link) As,' and save into your computer.)
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See also:
- Stem Cells and StemEnhance® by Christian Drapeau, MSc (video)
- Summary of Triple-Blind Study (StemEnhance® )
- Scientific and Medical Research
Facts on Adult Stem Cell Function
- Adult vs. Embryonic Stem Cells
- The Story of Adult Stem Cells
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